Though his little brother did enjoy the finer things in his personal life, he pitched every single penny when it came to business. His ability to manage company expenditures was invaluable.
Anna, the young waitress approached with a smile. “Can I get you guys anything else?”
The Italian restaurant was just below his office. He and his associates lunched there at least three times a week, and Anna was usually their server. She was an incorrigible flirt. At least, when Bella wasn’t around. “No, thank you, Anna. Just the check, please.”
“Coming right up.”
Glenda grinned. “She sure does have a thing for you.”
Lucas chuckled. “It’s the suit.”
Glenda raised a brow. “Yeah, okay, the suit.”
“What time is your meeting with Xander?”
“Two O'clock. And I’m leaving nothing to chance. I’m bringing backup.”
Lucas smiled. His curiosity was piqued. “Who, may I ask, is your backup?”
“Well--”
“Creed!” someone called from across the restaurant.
Lucas looked around for the source and turned right into the barrel of a gun. Before he could flee, a shot rang out. Heat pierced his chest painfully enough to knock him out of his seat. He felt the blow to the back of his head as it hit the floor, but thatwas it. After the pain was numbness, and then… nothing. The world around him faded into darkness.
CHAPTER 10
TAYLOR
“This place is breathtaking. It’s like something out of the movies,” Taylor marveled as they walked up to the grand southern house located in the center of the massive plantation. According to historical accounts, the Roux family members were descendants of the slaves that once worked the vast land. For them, to have accumulated the land was an impressive accomplishment.
“It is beautiful,” Victor agreed.
He caught her wrist, halting her steps. Taylor turned and looked up at him.
“Not as beautiful as you. There is no comparison.”
Taylor smiled and caressed his chiseled jaw. “It’s amazing how, after all this time, your flattery still warms my cheeks.”
Victor gazed down at her with a mischievous grin. “The way you’re looking in this dress, I’m inspired to warm more than your cheeks.”
Taylor giggled bashfully and dropped her head as if she were on a first date. It was as if the handsome man that was shamelessly flirting with her wasn’t her husband of years and the father of their little girl. Every time he looked at her, it was as if their love affair was fresh and new.
Victor cupped her jaw and ran his thumb along her cheek. After a sweet kiss to her forehead, he whispered, “Let’s go make this money, Baby.”
He slid his hand around her waist and planted his hand on the small of her back. They ascended a few steps until they were standing in front of a massive set of doors. Before they could knock, the doors opened. On the other side wereEnola Roux and Gideon Toussaint, her handsome husband. The gorgeous couple was flanked by two members of Victor’s security detail. They must have broken off from the team in order to ensure the safety of the Roux Plantation.
“Welcome to our home,” Enola Roux greeted with a warm, sincere smile.
“Thank you for having us,” Victor returned before kissing her cheek and shaking Gideon’s hand.
After Gideon greeted Taylor in the same manner, Enola stepped back and gestured toward a large, elegant foyer. When they stepped inside, Taylor looked up at the massive crystal chandelier hanging from an extremely high ceiling. The chandelier was centered between two long, winding staircases. “Your home is exquisite,” Taylor complimented.
“Thank you,” Enola responded, linking her arm with Taylor’s. “Come, let’s get you a drink.”
Taylor happily allowed Enola to escort her through her magnificent home, out a set of patio doors, and into the twenty-thousand-dollar-a-head political fundraiser. Enola led her around a large pool with floating illuminated lily pads and through a sea of magnificently dressed southerners. “I’ll introduce you around once we get a drink in you.”
Taylor looked over her shoulder to see if Victor was still behind them. He wasn’t. He had been detained by a few of the partygoers. He was in his element, surrounded by wealthy men. He was a master at getting donors to part with their money. Taylor smiled and returned her attention to Enola and her fully staffed bar with a large lake as its backdrop.
